St. Clair County Beaches Under Swimming Advisory Due to E. coli Levels
A swimming advisory has been issued for multiple beaches in St. Clair County, Michigan, as of July 30, 2025, due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Health officials are urging caution for those planning to swim in the affected areas.
Advisory Details and Affected Beaches
The St. Clair County Health Department announced the advisory on Wednesday, identifying the following beaches as currently unsafe for swimming: Holland, Keewahdin, Lighthouse, Lakeport, and Lakeside Beaches. The department initiated the advisory after routine water testing revealed bacterial counts exceeding acceptable limits.
Understanding E. coli and Potential Health Risks
E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, including humans. While most strains are harmless, some can cause illness. According to health officials, increased E. coli levels are often observed following periods of heavy rainfall or strong winds. This is because stormwater runoff can carry bacteria into the water, and wave action can stir up existing bacteria from the lakebed.
The advisory highlights the importance of understanding potential health risks associated with exposure to contaminated water. While the provided text references symptoms of an E. coli infection, further details on those symptoms would be beneficial for public awareness. [Placeholder for chart detailing E. coli infection symptoms and severity]
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Outlook
The St. Clair County Health Department is actively collecting water samples from each affected beach. Testing will continue until E. coli levels return to within acceptable water quality ranges, at which point the advisory will be lifted. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about the status of the beaches through official updates from the Health Department.
Samantha Sayles, a journalist with ClickOnDetroit, originally reported on this developing story. Sayles is an alumna of Oakland University and has been covering Michigan news since 2022, previously contributing to WILX in Lansing and WEYI in Flint.
